As part of one of its thrust areas for the current year, National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (Nabard) is promoting the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method of cultivation across the country.
SRI is quite popular in the southern rice-growing states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. A partnership programme has been envisaged by the central government, Nabard and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Allied Trusts for this promotional project to help small and marginal rice farmers.
While the Centre has decided to sanction about Rs 8 crore, Nabard’s share will be around Rs 16 crore and Rs 24 crore would be contributed by the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. Incidentally, the trust is seeking applications from NGOs, research institutions and universities on promotion of System of Rice Intensification.
As per reports, SRI was first developed in Madagascar during 1980s. The process is being tested in China, Indonesia, Combodia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India. SRI requires less seeds, about 2 kg per hectare and fewer plants per unit area (25x25cm) whereas in the conventional type of cultivation, it needs 20 kg per acre. Besides, SRI requires less expenditure on fertilisers and plant protection chemicals.
According to P Mohanaiah, CGM, Nabard, AP circle, about 14 states have been identified for this year, targeting over 84,000 farmers. ?We are trying to promote SRI type of cultivation in the rice-growing states as there is an increase of 40% in the productivity and 40% reduction in the cost of cultivation,” he said. It requires less water and less expenditure gives more yields and is beneficial especially for small and marginal farmers. In terms of acreage, studies are on to understand the estimates of total cultivable area.
?In the first phase, we are studying the area, agencies and identification of farmers. We are targeting about 17 projects in the dryland areas which are expected to be ready by the Rabi season. Besides, we would also be partnering up to marketing level apart from giving a host of cultivation practices,” he added. According to experts, by adopting SRI, paddy yields can go up from 1-2 tonne per ha to 8-10 tonne per ha.